To support students’ success during the Midterm Examination period, several faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) launched programs offering free breakfast and counseling services. These initiatives aim to motivate and assist students in maintaining their well-being throughout the examination period.
At the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), a free breakfast program was held during the odd semester midterms of the 2025/2026 academic year. The initiative, organized by the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU), is part of the Mood Booster program designed to encourage and uplift FEB UGM students during exams.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) distributed free eggs to students taking the midterm exams from Oct. 6 to 14, 2025. The egg distribution symbolizes the faculty’s care and commitment to student welfare.
Dr. Bayu Sutikno, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FEB UGM, stated that the Mood Booster program reflects the faculty’s effort to maintain students’ enthusiasm during exams.
“Mood Booster at FEB UGM is part of our effort to keep students happy and relaxed while taking exams, whether midterms or finals,” he said on Thursday (Oct. 9) at FEB UGM.
Dr. Sutikno explained that during the Mood Booster program, FEB UGM provided 150 meal portions daily with different menu variations throughout the exam period (October 16 to 17, 2025). The menu options were designed based on a student preference survey conducted by the Peer Support team.
In addition to nutritious meals, the faculty also offered free counseling sessions to help mitigate students’ anxiety and stress during exams.
“We hope students take their exams joyfully and achieve their best results while upholding integrity and zero tolerance for cheating,” he added.
Anisa Yuliandri, a psychologist at CSDU FEB UGM, mentioned that this year’s Mood Booster carried the tagline Special Support For You, reflecting the faculty’s encouragement for students to stay motivated and maintain emotional balance amid a busy exam schedule.
Yuliandri explained that exam periods are often stressful and demanding, making support programs like this especially meaningful.
“Through Mood Booster, we want students to feel appreciated and supported during exams. Such positive encouragement can help them perform better academically,” she explained.
Students responded enthusiastically to the initiative. Muhammad Adam, a 2023 Accounting student, expressed his appreciation, saying that the program helped him stay energized for morning exams.
Similarly, Andrea Uli S.Y. Napitupulu, a 2025 Management student, shared that she was pleased with the program’s presence during the exam period.
“Sometimes, as students, we don’t have time or money to prepare breakfast. Hopefully, this program continues because it really helps motivate us to study and face exams,” she said.
At Animal Science UGM, Nurma Diani, Head of the Administrative Office, hoped that distributing eggs would help students feel more comfortable and focused during exams.
“Eggs are a nutritious animal-based product, ideal as pre-exam meals. This program also promotes animal products and raises awareness of the importance of affordable, healthy protein consumption,” Diani explained.
Ataya and Adnan, students from the 2023 cohort of Animal Science UGM expressed their happiness about receiving free eggs.
“We’re delighted. The eggs taste great and can even replace breakfast before exams,” said Ataya.
Reporters: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum (FEB UGM) & Satria (Animal Science UGM)
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya